Dr. Shamrit Tirosh Maman will replace Prof. Dan Bloomberg, who has held the position since 2022, and by virtue of her position will be responsible for outlining Israeli space policy, developing and leading strategic programs in the field of space, fostering international collaborations, and monitoring the implementation of the various programs.
The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Gila Gamliel, signed today (Tuesday) the appointment letter of Dr. Shamrit Tirosh Maman to the position of Chairwoman of the Israel Space Agency and Chairwoman of the Steering Committee for the Israel Space Agency. Dr. Maman, 45, a space researcher and senior scientist, became the first woman to hold the position, and will replace Prof. Dan Bloomberg, who has successfully held the position since 2022.
Dr. Maman, a senior scientist at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, brings with her over two decades of experience in space-based technologies. She directs the Planetary Remote Sensing and Imaging Laboratory (EPIF), one of NASA's 17 regional planetary laboratories worldwide, and has served as Vice Chair of the Earth Observations Committee of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).
During her career, Dr. Maman led the UN Regional Office in Israel for Space-Based Information Support for Disaster and Emergency Management (UN-SPIDER), and served as Israel's representative to the UN Committees on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS). In addition, she leads pioneering initiatives to advance women in space, including the widely recognized international "She Space" program.
As part of her new role, Dr. Maman will be responsible for advising and recommending to the Minister of Innovation on all matters relating to Israeli space funding policy, preparing the agency's work plans, determining the budgets required for the use of space, directing scientific and commercial development related to space, expediting and developing infrastructure connections on the subject of space, and monitoring the implementation of work plans and international cooperation.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel said when granting the appointment letter: "Dr. Shamrith Tirosh Maman is a leading and respected scientist with a proven track record in promoting cross-sectoral and international collaborations, initiating and managing innovative programs in the field of space, and leading strategic engagement processes with a wide range of partners. She stands out in her activity in the international arena, with a unique combination of scientific excellence, public engagement, and wide-ranging social impact. I am certain that she will lead the Israel Space Agency into a new phase of scientific and technological breakthroughs and strengthen Israel's international standing as a space power."
The Minister took this opportunity to thank Prof. Dan Bloomberg for his significant contribution to the development of the Israeli space industry during his tenure: "Prof. Bloomberg brought the Israeli Space Agency to extraordinary achievements and placed it in a central place in the international arena. I thank him for the dedication and professionalism he showed during his tenure."
Dr. Shmarit Tirosh Maman, incoming Chairwoman of the Israel Space Agency: "I thank Sarah Gila Gamliel for her trust and the extraordinary professional and personal opportunity she opened up to me. Space has always been for me beyond science, also a vision, inspiration and the ability to connect worlds. I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Israel Space Agency and, together with partners in Israel and around the world, shape the next generation of Israeli space activities."
Dr. Maman is internationally recognized and was named one of the 2023 most influential women in Israel by Globes Magazine in 50, and won Radio Darom's "Person of the Year" award. The appointment is effective immediately and will last for a period of three years.
Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Gila Gamliel: "A historic appointment that symbolizes a breakthrough in the field of space in Israel. Dr. Maman brings with her scientific leadership and technological innovation, and I am confident that she will lead the Space Agency to new achievements and strengthen Israel's international status as a space power."
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